7 months ago
Goans unite to protect hills, lakes, and identity
A big group of people in Goa came together in Panaji to say they've had enough of the damage being done to their beautiful state.
They made a list of demands, called a 'People's Charter', to protect Goa's hills, lakes, rivers, and villages.
They want the government to follow the rules that were made to protect these special places.
They also want to stop the sale of land to people who don't live in Goa or aren't farmers.
They're worried about the changes happening in their towns and villages and want to make sure Goa stays the way they love it.
They're not doing this for any political party, but just to protect their home.
A 'People's Charter' was adopted in Panaji to prevent ecological and environmental degradation in Goa.
The charter demands the repeal of amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act and the prevention of land sale to non-agriculturists and non-residents.
It calls for a stop to all development in eco-sensitive areas, including hills, lakes, rivers, and the Coastal Regulation Zone.
The charter also demands the removal of casinos on the Mandovi river and the cancellation of illegal structures in the Coastal Regulation Zone.
The movement is led by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello and environmental lawyer Norma Alvares, and is not affiliated with any political party.
- Who
- NGO members and individuals from across Goa, led by former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello and environmental lawyer Norma Alvares
- What
- Adoption of a 'People's Charter' to prevent ecological and environmental degradation and protect Goa's culture and ethos
- Where
- Panaji, Goa
- When
- Tuesday
- Why
- To protect Goa's hills, lakes, rivers, villages, and culture from ecological and environmental degradation
Key facts
- Location
- Panaji, Goa
- Date
- Tuesday
- Key Figures
- Former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice Ferdino Rebello, Environmental lawyer Norma Alvares
- Key Document
- People's Charter
- Key Demands
- Repeal of amendments to the Town and Country Planning Act, Prevention of land sale to non-agriculturists and non-residents, Stopping development in eco-sensitive areas, Removal of casinos on the Mandovi river, Cancellation of illegal structures in the Coastal Regulation Zone
- Eco-Sensitive Zones
- 82% of Goa
Quotes
Norma Alvares
Environmental lawyer
“That plan is still in force, and the most significant feature of RP 2021 is the demarcation of eco-sensitive zones. Zone-1 comprises the most sensitive ecological assets like steep hill slopes, sand dunes, forests and khazanas, and in eco-sensitive zone-1, no development is allowed. In eco-sensitive zone-2, some restricted development is permitted. Together, eco-sensitive zones 1 and 2… cover 82% of Goa.”
indianexpress.com
“This document, Regional Plan 2021, is our passport to good governance.”
indianexpress.com
Ferdino Rebello
Former Allahabad High Court Chief Justice
“Goa is worth fighting for, and together, we will fight. What is the root cause of all this… corruption? It’s these two sections of the TCP Act, section 17(2) and section 39A. They must be repealed. We demand that no hills are allowed to be cut or developed.”
indianexpress.com
“I am not asking anyone here to take a bullet or pelt stones. I am asking everyone — let us work together. We must start organising… Let us first set up a structure in every village, every town. The core of leadership [for this movement] must be activists and NGOs, and not the office-bearers of political parties. This is not a movement of any particular party. I do not aspire to contest any election.”
indianexpress.com